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Friday, June 2, 2017

Flower Ball Topiary Tree

For this project, Kusudama converts 60 prepared squares into blossoms. Form the cone petals, then join crest edges

of 5 petal units into a flower.

Assemble 12 flowers into a ball.

Attach tiny scallops with jewels or studs at each flower center.

Attach hanging loop of desired size.

Measures approx. 5.75" diameter.

Convert into a
topiary tree by combining the flower ball - with a special

post "sleeve" inside the bottom blossom - and 3D terra cotta style pot. (Construction for the Pot can be found HERE.)

Add weight inside pot for stability,
concealed by interior platform

(add moss or shreds as decorator's touch).

Pot
measures approx. 4.25" x 5"
(rim) x 4" tall.

Topiary measures approx. 13.5" tall.

ASSEMBLY: 1. Identify and cut the shapes:cut 5 "square" shapes (modified) of the same printed paper (lighter than card stock) to createone blossom.For the flower ball, you will need 12 blossoms.NOTE that the sample uses 4 different coordinated prints.Also cut one center scallop for each blossom.(For the flower ball, you will need 12 scalloped circles;for the topiary tree ball, you will need 11 scall circles.)

KUSUDAMA BLOSSOM FOLDING

2. Working with print face side out,

fold the squared points together, align edges

accurately (fold lines are lightly perforated).

NOTE that using a bone folding tool or equivalent

will help to make each crease as sharp

as possible, and is very helpful when there

are multiple layers being folded and creased.

3. Take the right bottom fold and bendto position it along the vertical middle line,and crease on the perf line.

4. Repeat step 3 for the left side.The folds should meet at the vertical center line.

5. "Open" the right angled section from step 3

partially into its cone-like form . . .

. . . then flatten into a wedge shapethat has the "bottom" fold line from step 2running down the center between two fold linesand crease along the perf lines.

6. Bend the bottom "half" of the wedge upwardto bring the bottom crease edge even withthe other crease line.

7. Repeat steps 5 & 6 for the left side.The resulting square has a stack of narrowwedges at each side edge as shown.

Use the bone folded to make hard creasesthrough all the layers of the petal unit.

8. Form the unit into a cone shape by bending

the fold edges each toward the center front.

This is the shaping that will be done eventually,

but first . . .

. . . apply a quick-grab adhesive

(such as Fabri-Tack used here)

along the inner edge at fold one one side.

Then bring the edges together, adjust so thatthe top corners are even,and hold in place while applying some pressureuntil the edges are secure.

Here is the completed petal cone unit.

9. Prepare 5 petal units for one flower.

10. Prepare the join the petal cones into

flower form by applying quick-grab adhesive

next to the seam edge of first petal, then . . .

. . . position, adjust and attach the second petalin place. NOTE that the petal cones are attachedNEAR the spine seam, but just slightly to the side,allowing the 5 petals to be attached toneighboring petal cones with a small center channel.

11. Continue to add the third, fourth, and finally

the fifth petal cone units (add adhesive on each

cone that the fifth will touch) . . .

until the full flower blossom is formed.

Allow adhesive to dry, applying pressure

as necessary to ensure secure joints,

minimizing the center channel, and keeping

top edges even.

12. Prepare the assemble first flower ball HALF,

which will consist of 6 blossoms,

by arranging 5 blossoms in a ring.

As you can see (in the image below, or above)

the blossoms sit balanced on two bottom

petal points, with two middle petals above, with

the top petal upward.

The blossoms will be attached to neighbors

by joining the "crests" of the bottom petal pairs,

and the middle pair.

Apply adhesive along the ridge line of the bottom

and middle cones . . .

. . . then position the second blossom withcorresponding bottom and middle petals touching.Adjust then apply pressure to ensure a secure joining.

Applying fingertip pressure to each of the two

joining positions will assist the connection.

13. Repeat the process for the third blossom

to apply adhesive, position, align and attach

the bottom and middle cone ridge lines of each.

14. Complete the ring with the fifth blossom.

15. Test-fit the sixth blossom that fits into toparea of the ring.NOTE that the five petal points of this blossom unitwill fit into to the indentations betweenthe ring blossoms.VISUALIZE where the cone ridge lines will touch,apply adhesive to fifth blossom ridge lines,then re-insert, adjust and apply pressure until secure.

Here is the interesting view of the half ball backside.

16. Repeat steps 14 and 15 to prepare

the bottom half of the ball with 6 blossoms.

17. Test-fit where the blossom petals of each half

will offset so that points fit between opposite

blossoms, apply adhesive, then re-position

and attach the two halves securely.

18. Position and attach one scallop circle over

the center channel of each blossom, then . . .

. . . position and attach a decorative jewelor stud over the center guide hole.Position and attach 12 circles and studs.

B. Position and attach the second petal conein similar manner, tucking the spine edge as snuglyas possible next to the previous petal shape.

C. Continue positioning and attachingthe petal cones until all five are in place.

D. Follow the steps shown in ball instructionsto build the bottom HALF of ball, exceptuse the blossom with post sleeve asthe "top" blossom that fits into the ring of five.SHOWN HERE: The blossom with sleeve centerwill have a slightly wider girth, so it will benecessary to push it into position as snuglyas possible, understanding that it will remain . . .